Backend Developer
A backend developer builds the server, database and APIs that power a website or app behind the scenes — the logic, data storage and security users never see — with projects in India typically costing ₹25,000 to ₹3 lakh+ by scope. I'm Amit Kumar, founder of Cyber Defence, CEH + CRTA certified and based in Hisar, Haryana. I build fast, secure backends and APIs using Node.js and Laravel for clients across India, so your product's engine is reliable and hard to breach.
Last updated: 2026-07-08 · Written by Amit Kumar (CEH, CRTA), Cyber Defence, Hisar
What a backend developer actually does
The backend is the engine no user sees but every feature depends on: the server that runs your logic, the database that stores your data, the APIs that connect your app to the outside world, and the authentication that decides who can do what. A backend developer designs how data is structured, writes the code that processes it, builds secure endpoints for the frontend or mobile app to call, integrates payments and third-party services, and makes sure the whole thing stays fast and safe under real load. This is the part that, done badly, leaks customer data, loses orders or falls over when traffic spikes — and done well, quietly just works. When you hire me for backend work, I build that engine with clean architecture, proper security and sensible scaling, using tools I can defend rather than whatever's trendy. It's the least glamorous half of a product and, frankly, the half where experience matters most.
What I build on the backend
I build the full backend layer. REST and GraphQL APIs that your web or mobile frontend talks to. Authentication and authorisation systems — logins, roles, permissions, password resets — done securely. Database design and optimisation in MySQL, PostgreSQL or MongoDB, so queries stay fast as data grows. Payment integrations with Razorpay, Stripe or PayU, and third-party connections to WhatsApp, email, SMS or CRMs. Admin panels and internal business logic. Scheduled jobs, notifications and background processing. And I harden and fix existing backends that are slow, insecure or falling over. If your frontend is already built by another team, I plug in as the backend specialist and expose clean APIs for them; if you need the whole product, I handle frontend too. Whatever the shape, I build the server side to be predictable, well-documented and safe to hand to another developer later without a rewrite.
Tech, and how I keep backends fast and secure
My default backend tools are Node.js with Express for JavaScript projects and Laravel (PHP) where it fits better — both mature, well-supported and easy to hire around. Data lives in MySQL, PostgreSQL or MongoDB, chosen to match the shape of your information. On performance I design proper database indexes, paginate heavy queries, cache where it helps, and structure code so it scales without a rewrite. Security is my core edge: as a CEH and CRTA certified ethical hacker I hash passwords correctly, sign and expire tokens properly, validate and sanitise every input against SQL injection and other attacks, enforce real authorisation on every endpoint, rate-limit abuse, and keep dependencies patched. Backends are where breaches actually happen — leaked databases, broken auth, injection — and most freelancers treat security as an afterthought. I treat it as core engineering, which for anything holding payments or personal data is exactly what you need.
Why hire me for backend work
You get a certified, verifiable developer whose actual specialism is the security of the thing you can't see. My CEH and CRTA credentials are real and checkable, my base at Red Square Market, Hisar, Haryana 125001 is real, and my phone answers. I don't post fake reviews or invented client logos — I'd rather show real work. A backend built by someone who breaks into systems for a living is materially safer than one built by a generalist who's never thought about attack surfaces. I run lean, so my rates undercut metro agencies while the quality matches, and you deal directly with the person writing the code, not a salesperson. For any product where data integrity, uptime and security matter — which is every product handling money or user accounts — that combination of full-stack skill and genuine security expertise is hard to find in India at honest prices.
My process from spec to live backend
We start with a free call or WhatsApp chat where you describe what the system must do, and I turn that into a data model, API design and a fixed quote — no vague "it depends". After a partial advance I design the database schema and API contracts, share them so we agree the shape before I build, then develop in stages: core data and auth first, then business logic, then integrations and payments. You can test endpoints as they land, and I document each one so your frontend team (or future developer) knows exactly how to use it. We test under realistic conditions, I harden security and tune performance, then deploy on reliable hosting with backups, SSL and monitoring. You get full ownership of code and infrastructure — no lock-in. Timelines run from a couple of weeks for a focused API to a couple of months for a full platform, and I keep you updated throughout.
Transparent backend pricing in Indian Rupees
Here's roughly what backend work costs with me. A focused API or backend for a small app — auth, a few endpoints, one database — runs ₹25,000 to ₹70,000. A mid-size backend with multiple modules, payments, an admin panel and integrations lands at ₹70,000 to ₹2 lakh. A larger platform backend with complex logic, multiple roles and scaling needs starts around ₹2 lakh and grows with scope. Database optimisation or securing an existing backend is quoted per audit. These are honest ranges, not bait numbers; the final quote is fixed once I understand your requirements, and I explain exactly what each rupee buys. Ongoing maintenance and new endpoints are quoted separately so your core cost stays clear. Compared with agencies charging far more for the same output, you get certified-developer quality at a fair price.
Backend vs full-stack, and REST vs GraphQL
Two honest decisions clients ask about. First, backend vs full-stack: hire a backend developer when your frontend already exists or you only need an API for a mobile app; hire full-stack when you need the whole product built and connected. If you have a frontend team, a backend specialist plugs in cleanly and cheaply. If you're building from scratch, full-stack avoids the finger-pointing between two people. I do both. Second, REST vs GraphQL for your API: use REST for most projects — it's simple, universally understood and easy to cache, which is why it's my default. Use GraphQL when your frontend needs to fetch many different data shapes flexibly, like a complex dashboard or an app with varied screens, so it avoids over-fetching. GraphQL adds power but also complexity and caching headaches, so it's not automatically better. I'll recommend whichever genuinely fits your product, not whichever sounds more impressive.
Backend Development Pricing (India)
| Engagement | Best for | What you get | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small API / Backend | Small apps & mobile backends | Auth, core endpoints, one database, deploy | ₹25,000 – ₹70,000 |
| Mid-size Backend | Growing products | Multiple modules, payments, admin panel, integrations | ₹70,000 – ₹2 lakh |
| Platform Backend | Multi-role, high-load systems | Complex logic, roles, scaling, background jobs | ₹2 lakh+ |
| Security / DB Audit | Existing backends | Vulnerability review, query optimisation, fixes | Quoted per audit |
| Maintenance (optional) | Any live backend | Patches, new endpoints, backups, monitoring | From ₹4,000/month |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a backend developer cost in India?
Backend work in India typically costs ₹25,000–₹70,000 for a focused API or small-app backend, ₹70,000–₹2 lakh for a mid-size backend with payments and an admin panel, and ₹2 lakh+ for a larger platform. With Cyber Defence you get a fixed quote after a free scoping call, so you know the exact price before any coding begins.
How long does backend development take?
A focused API or small backend usually takes 2–4 weeks. A mid-size backend with multiple modules, payments and an admin panel takes 5–9 weeks, and a larger platform can run several months depending on complexity. I share API contracts and let you test endpoints as they land. Timelines also depend on how fast requirements and feedback come.
What is the difference between REST and GraphQL?
REST exposes fixed endpoints and is simple, universal and easy to cache — my default for most projects. GraphQL lets the frontend request exactly the data shapes it needs in one call, avoiding over-fetching, which suits complex dashboards and varied app screens. GraphQL adds power but also complexity, so it's not automatically better. I recommend whichever fits your product.
What is the difference between backend and full-stack development?
Backend is the server, database, APIs and security a user never sees. Full-stack is that plus the frontend they interact with. Hire a backend developer when your frontend already exists or you need an API for a mobile app; hire full-stack when building a whole product from scratch. I do both and will advise you honestly on which you need.
Which backend technologies do you use?
My default backend tools are Node.js with Express and Laravel (PHP), with data in MySQL, PostgreSQL or MongoDB depending on your information's shape. All are mature, widely-supported and easy to hire around, so you're never locked into something obscure. I choose the stack that fits your project rather than whatever happens to be trendy.
How do you keep the backend secure?
Security is my core specialism as a CEH and CRTA certified ethical hacker. I hash passwords correctly, sign and expire tokens, validate every input against SQL injection and similar attacks, enforce real authorisation on each endpoint, rate-limit abuse, and keep dependencies patched. Backends are where real breaches happen, so I build protection in from day one rather than after an incident.
Kya aap secure backend aur API bana dete hain affordable price mein?
Haan, bilkul. Main Amit Kumar, Cyber Defence ka founder aur CEH certified developer hoon. Node ya Laravel se secure backend aur API bana deta hoon, ₹25,000 se shuru. Security meri core expertise hai, isliye aapka data safe rahega. Fixed quote pehle milta hai, koi hidden charge nahi. WhatsApp par 75175 72000 pe baat karein.
Can you build a backend for my existing frontend or mobile app?
Yes, that's common. If your frontend or mobile app already exists, I build the backend and expose clean, documented APIs for it to call, without touching your interface code. I make sure authentication, data validation and error handling are solid, so your app behaves reliably under real usage and real attack attempts.
Do I own the backend code and database?
Yes, completely. Once the project is paid, you own the full source code, the database and all server credentials with no lock-in. I hand over documented code and can walk you or your team through deploying and managing it. If you ever move to another developer, everything is yours to give them.
Can you fix or secure my existing slow backend?
Yes. Auditing, optimising and securing existing backends is a big part of my work. I look for slow queries, missing indexes, broken authorisation and injection risks, then fix or restructure them. Given my ethical-hacking background, security audits are a particular strength. I'll tell you honestly whether a targeted fix or a rebuild is the smarter spend.
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